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Purpose:Gastric cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Northeast Asia. Population-based endoscopic screenings in the region have yielded successful results in early detection of gastric tumors. Endoscopic screening rates are continuously increasing, and there is a need for an automatic computerized diagnostic system to reduce the diagnostic burden. In this study, we developed an algorithm to classify gastric epithelial tumors automatically and assessed its performance in a large series of gastric biopsies and its benefits as an assistance tool.Experimental Design:Using 2,434 whole-slide images, we developed an algorithm based on convolutional neural networks to classify a gastric biopsy image into one of three categories: negative for dysplasia (NFD), tubular adenoma, or carcinoma. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by using 7,440 biopsy specimens collected prospectively. The impact of algorithm-assisted diagnosis was assessed by six pathologists using 150 gastric biopsy cases.Results:Diagnostic performance evaluated by the AUROC curve in the prospective study was 0.9790 for two-tier classification: negative (NFD) versus positive (all cases except NFD). When limited to epithelial tumors, the sensitivity and specificity were 1.000 and 0.9749. Algorithm-assisted digital image viewer (DV) resulted in 47% reduction in review time per image compared with DV only and 58% decrease to microscopy.Conclusions:Our algorithm has demonstrated high accuracy in classifying epithelial tumors and its benefits as an assistance tool, which can serve as a potential screening aid system in diagnosing gastric biopsy specimens.

Supplementary Figure S1-8, Supplementary Table S1-9

To determine whether intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA) with heated lidocaine gel provides pain reduction during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy. We conducted a randomized-controlled study with 153 participants who underwent TRUS-guided, systematic 12-core prostate biopsy from May 2018 to June 2019. These participants were divided into three test groups. Before prostate biopsy, group A (51 patients) received no local anesthesia, group B (51 patients) received IRLA with 20 mL 2% lidocaine gel stored at room temperature, and group C (51 patients) received IRLA with heated (40 ℃) 20 mL 2% lidocaine gel. Pain was assessed using the 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) at three time points: VAS-1: during probe insertion, VAS-2: during biopsy, VAS-3: 30 min after the procedure. Complications during and after the procedure were evaluated. The mean VAS-2 score was significantly lower in group C compared to groups A and B (A, 4.6; B, 4.2; and C, 3.2; p

Purpose: Gastric cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Northeast Asia. Population-based endoscopic screenings in the region have yielded successful results in early detection of gastric tumors. Endoscopic screening rates are continuously increasing, and there is a need for an automatic computerized diagnostic system to reduce the diagnostic burden. In this study, we developed an algorithm to classify gastric epithelial tumors automatically and assessed its performance in a large series of gastric biopsies and its benefits as an assistance tool. Experimental Design: Using 2,434 whole-slide images, we developed an algorithm based on convolutional neural networks to classify a gastric biopsy image into one of three categories: negative for dysplasia (NFD), tubular adenoma, or carcinoma. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by using 7,440 biopsy specimens collected prospectively. The impact of algorithm-assisted diagnosis was assessed by six pathologists using 150 gastric biopsy cases. Results: Diagnostic performance evaluated by the AUROC curve in the prospective study was 0.9790 for two-tier classification: negative (NFD) versus positive (all cases except NFD). When limited to epithelial tumors, the sensitivity and specificity were 1.000 and 0.9749. Algorithm-assisted digital image viewer (DV) resulted in 47% reduction in review time per image compared with DV only and 58% decrease to microscopy. Conclusions: Our algorithm has demonstrated high accuracy in classifying epithelial tumors and its benefits as an assistance tool, which can serve as a potential screening aid system in diagnosing gastric biopsy specimens.

This study investigated the effects of a low-frequency home-based incontinence therapy device on quality of life (QoL) and urinary symptoms in women with urinary incontinence. From May 2017 to February 2018, 34 patients, aged ≥ 20 years, with involuntary urine leakage >2 times/week, were recruited to this study. Patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy, virgin status, and psychological problems were excluded. The incontinence home-care device treatments were administered in 12-minute sessions, twice daily for 8 weeks. Simultaneously, hyperthermic conditions of 35°C to 40°C and microvibrations were administered. All patients completed urinary incontinence questionnaires (King's Health Questionnaire [KHQ], Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms [BFLUTS] questionnaire, and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score [OABSS]) before treatment, as well as 4 and 8 weeks into treatment. Changes in the questionnaire responses over time were compared. Two participants dropped out of the study and there was one screening failure, leaving 31 patients for analysis. After 4 weeks treatment, there were significant improvements in symptoms, such as role limitation, physical limitation, social limitation, personal relationship, emotion, sleep/energy, and severity measures. After 8 weeks treatment, almost all parameters on the KHQ revealed symptomatic improvement. On the BFLUTS, voiding times during activity, nocturia, urgency, urge incontinence, incontinence frequency, stress incontinence, volume leakage, strain to start, intermittency, reduced stream, acute retention, incomplete emptying, and stopping flow showed significant improvements. On the OABSS, almost all storage symptoms improved. Low-frequency electrical stimulation devices were effective at improving urinary incontinence, which became evident as the duration of treatment increased. Improvement of urgency and frequency was more evident after treatment.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:To investigate the feasibility of using computed tomography-based texture analysis (CTTA) in differentiating between upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC) from benign ...

Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare, benign tumor. Surgical resection is advocated in symptomatic cases, large (size >4 cm) cases, cases where there is an increase in size on follow-up, and cases with an atypical appearance on imaging. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is currently the gold standard operation for managing benign adrenal mass. However, to date, laparoscopic entire resection of ipsilateral adrenal gland with the tumor has mainly been reported in the literature. Under clinical circumstances, adrenal-sparing surgery is underused as first-line therapy for adrenal tumors. We present a case of adrenal myelolipoma involving the right adrenal gland of a 45-year-old woman who presented with right-sided flank pain. On radiologic and endocrine evaluation, she received a diagnosis of a giant adrenal myelolipoma (>8 cm). Right hand-assisted laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy was performed, and postoperative recovery was uneventful. Finally, histologic examination confirmed adrenal myelolipoma. On follow-up computed tomography, there was no residual tumor and the remaining right adrenal gland. Our report suggests that hand-assisted laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy could be considered for appropriate removal of adrenal myelolipoma, even in giant adrenal myelolipoma.

To evaluate the outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site nephrolithotomy (LESS-NL) for symptomatic caliceal diverticular calculi.From November 2009 to March 2014, 11 cases of LESS-NL with a homemade single-port device for caliceal diverticular calculi were performed by a single experienced laparoscopic surgeon. All patients were assessed at postoperative 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years for symptom-free status and by CT for stone-free and caliceal diverticular obliteration status. All complications were categorized by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Demographic parameters and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.All procedures were effectively performed without conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. Median patient age was 53 years (range 22-73), and median diverticular size was 26 mm (range 15-58). Six patients (54.5%) had multiple stones, and five patients (45.5%) had a single stone; median stone size was 20.6 mm (range 12.1-66.4). The transperitoneal approach was used in seven patients (63.6%) and retroperitoneal approach in four patients (36.4%). Median operative time was 161 minutes (range 110-250), median estimated blood loss was 50 mL (range 20-400), and median hospital stay was 4 days (range 3-6). An additional needlescopic instrument was used in five cases (45.5%). There were three cases (27.3%) of grade I complications (two postoperative fever, one ileus), and no intraoperative or major complications. Median visual analog scale score significantly improved by discharge day (from 4.9 preoperatively to 1.4; p = 0.003). After a median follow-up of 38 months (range 36-41), all patients were symptom free with no evidence of stone or caliceal diverticulum on imaging.LESS-NL is a safe, feasible, and definitive treatment option for symptomatic caliceal diverticular calculi.

To investigate the usefulness of the oxidized regenerated cellulose patch (ORCP) for postbiopsy hemostasis, anxiety, and depression in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. This was a prospective-retrospective study of 300 patients who underwent systematic 12-core prostate biopsy from August 2016 through March 2018. The ORCP was inserted into the rectum immediately after prostate biopsy in the prospective group (n = 150), while the retrospective group (n = 150) underwent prostate biopsy alone. The frequency rate and duration of hematuria, rectal bleeding, and hematospermia were compared between the 2 groups. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the hospital anxiety and depression scale before and after prostate biopsy in the prospective group. The frequency rates of hematuria and hematospermia showed no significant differences between the prospective versus retrospective groups (64.7% vs 66.7%, P = .881; 18 vs 20%, P = .718; respectively). Frequency of rectal bleeding was significantly lower in the prospective group than in the retrospective group (26.7% vs 42.7%, P = .018). However, there were no significant differences in median duration of rectal bleeding, hematuria, or hematospermia between the 2 groups (2, 5, and 2 days vs 2, 7, and 1 day, P > .05, respectively, for the prospective vs retrospective group). Multivariate analysis found that ORCP insertion was a significant protective factor against postbiopsy rectal bleeding (P = .038, odds ratio 0.52). Only anxiety level in the prospective group before versus after prostate biopsy was significantly reduced (5 vs 4, P = .011). ORCP insertion after prostate biopsy is an effective and simple method for decreasing rectal bleeding. ORCP insertion may also alleviate anxiety in patients undergoing prostate biopsy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:To investigate the hemostatic usefulness of oxidized regenerated cellulose patch (ORCP) used immediately after transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy and a...

// Bong Hee Park 3 , Joung Eun Lim 2 , Hwang Gyun Jeon 1 , Seong Il Seo 1 , Hyun Moo Lee 1 , Han Yong Choi 1 , Seong Soo Jeon 1 , Byong Chang Jeong 1 1 Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea 2 Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea 3 Department of Urology, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea Correspondence to: Seong Soo Jeon, email: seongsoo.jeon@samsung.com Byong Chang Jeong, email: bc2.jung@samsung.com Keywords: bladder cancer, cisplatin, curcumin, ERK, oxidative stress Received: May 11, 2016 Accepted: August 11, 2016 Published: August 24, 2016 ABSTRACT Resistance of bladder cancer to cisplatin is a major obstacle to successful treatment. In the current study, we investigated the apoptotic effects of curcumin and cisplatin co-treatment in 253J-Bv(p53 wild-type) and T24(p53 mutant) bladder cancer. We found that curcumin and cisplatin co-treatment primarily targets reactive oxygen species(ROS) and extracellular regulated kinase(ERK) signaling during the apoptosis induction in bladder cancer. The apoptosis rate in 253J-Bv and T24 cells co-treated with curcumin and cisplatin was increased compared to that in cells exposed to single-agent treatment conditions. Also, caspase-3 activation and ROS production were observed in both cells treated with curcumin and cisplatin, together with upregulation of p-MEK and p-ERK1/2 signaling. NAC(ROS scavenger) and U0126(ERK inhibitor) inhibited apoptosis induced by curcumin and cisplatin. In addition, when 253J-Bv cells were co-treated with curcumin and cisplatin, p53 and p21 expression levels were markedly increased when compared to controls. Unlike 253J-Bv cells, T24 cells were co-treated with curcumin and cisplatin revealed an induction of apoptosis through decreased p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) expression. Moreover, pretreatment with U0126 suppressed curcumin and cisplatin-induced upregulation of p53, p21, and p-STAT3 and downregulation of survival proteins in both cells. In conclusion, co-treatment with curcumin and cisplatin synergistically induced apoptosis through ROS-mediated activation of ERK1/2 in bladder cancer.

Objectives To evaluate the clinical efficacy of initial combined treatment of alpha-blocker plus dose-dependent anticholinergic agent compared to the alpha-blocker monotherapy in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with overactive bladder. Methods Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) patients with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 8 or higher, total overactive bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) of 3 or higher, and 2 points or higher in the OABSS questionnaire number 2 were enrolled. Eligible subjects (total n = 146) were randomly assigned to receive tamsulosin 0.2 mg (Group I, n = 44), tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus solifenacin 5 mg (Group II, n = 55), or tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus solifenacin 10 mg (Group III, n = 47) for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety assessments for each group were done using detailed questionnaires, and evaluating urinary parameters such as maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR) at 4 and 12 weeks. Results Groups II and III (combined use of tamsulosin and solifenacin) showed significant improvement in storage symptoms compared to group I (tamsulosin monotherapy), as reflected by IPSS storage subscore and OABSS (P

s Background We investigated the effects of a berry mixture formula (modified Ojayeonjonghwan (Wuzi Yanzong Wan, MO formula) on detrusor overactivity (DO). Methods The MO formula consisted of 5 seeds obtained from 5 types of berry plants. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: sham-operated (control), partial urethral obstruction-induced DO (DO group), 0.03 mg/kg solifenacin-treated DO (solifenacin group) and 200 mg/kg MO formula -treated DO (berry mixture). The control and overactive groups were administered distilled water for 4 weeks, and the solifenacin and MO formula groups were treated with the respective medication for 4 weeks. After treatment, cystometrography was performed. At the endo of cystometrography, their bladder tissues were used for identifying the muscarinic receptors, endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), RhoA, Rock-I & II, 8-hydroxy-2′ –deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase(SOD), interleukin-6 &-8(IL-6, IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-a). The tissues were stained and the muscle-to-collagen ratio was identified. Results The presence of the muscarinic receptors were not significantly different between the solifenacin and MO formula groups. However, significant differences were found between the solifenacin and MO formula groups in terms of eNOS, RhoA, Rock-I and -II levels. The muscle-to-collagen ratio was statistically lower in the DO and solifenacin groups; however, no significant difference was observed between the control and MO formula groups. Under oxidative stress, SOD showed a similar result as 8-OHgG. The MO formula group exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, showing that no significant difference was found between the control and MO formula groups regarding values of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-a. However, the DO and solifenacin groups showed increased IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-a levels. Cystometrography showed that the OAB and solifenacin groups having a significantly lower value than the control and MO formula groups. The mean contraction interval was shorter in the DO, MO formula, and solifenacin groups and the highest in the control group. Conclusions The MO formula exhibited a similar pharmacologic effect to that of solifenacin, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Enhancement of the MO formula by the nitric oxide pathway affected DO including BPH-related DO. The MO formula may be one of the alternative choices of anticholinergics, a treatment for DO.

To assess the association between tumor size and postoperative compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney estimated with preoperative and postoperative CT in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We prospectively identified 728 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for RCC between 2012 and 2014. Contrast-enhanced CT was done within 3 months preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. A tissue segmentation tool program with CT images was used to estimate kidney volume. We divided patients into three groups according to tumor size (A: ≤4 cm, B: 4–7 cm, C: >7 cm). Preoperative and postoperative volumetric kidney parameters were compared and multivariable linear regression model was used to analyze predictors associated with postoperative compensatory hypertrophy. The preoperative median contralateral kidney volume was significantly larger in group C than in groups A and B (A: 170.3, B: 176.9, C: 186.8 mL, p

To investigate the usefulness of the ellipsoid formula for assessing compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney on pre-operative and post-operative CT in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients.We retrospectively identified 389 patients who had radical nephrectomy for RCC between 2011 and 2015. Contrast-enhanced CT was performed within 3 months pre-operative and at 1 year post-operative. The kidney volumes were calculated from CT using the ellipsoid formula. We subdivided patients into three groups based on tumour size (I: ≤4 cm, II: 4-7 cm, III: 7 cm). Volumetric renal parameters were compared and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors associated with pre-operative and post-operative compensatory hypertrophy.Kidney volume calculation using the ellipsoid method took a median of 51 s. Group III had a significantly larger median pre-operative contralateral renal volume than Groups I and II (I: 140.4, II: 141.6, III: 166.7 ml, p0.05). However, the median ratio of post-operative contralateral renal volume change was significantly higher in Groups I and II than Group III (I: 0.36, II: 0.23, III: 0.12, p0.001). On multivariate analysis, tumour size revealed the strongest positive association with pre-operative contralateral kidney volume (partial regression coefficient: β = 30.8, 7 cm) and ratio of post-operative contralateral kidney volume change (β = 0.214, I vs III; β = 0.168, II vs III).Kidney volume calculation for assessing pre- and post-operative compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney in RCC patients can be easily and rapidly performed from CT images using the ellipsoid formula. Advances in knowledge: The ellipsoid formula allows reliable method for assessing pre-operative and post-operative compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney in RCC.

Background and objective To assess the effects of hypercholesterolemia (HC) on the quality of erections and to evaluate the effects of stain therapy in a rat model of erectile dysfunction (ED) induced by HC. Material and methods Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 in each): control, HC, and HC with simvastatin treatment (HC+SS). The control was fed a normal chow diet, and the HC and HC+SS were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. The HC+SS received simvastatin once daily via oral gavage for 12 weeks. Subsequently, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intra-cavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure, lipid profiles, expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2-deoxygua-nosine, 8-OHdG level), serum testosterone levels, and the ratio of collagen fibers (CF) and smooth muscle (SM) were evaluated in the serum and corpora tissue. Results IPGTT was not different among all groups. The HC showed markedly lower erectile parameters than the control. In contrast, the HC+SS showed preserved erectile function, improved lipid profiles, increased eNOS and nNOS, decreased oxidative stress, and minimized change in SM/CF ratio. Conclusions Our results suggest that oxidative stress damage by HC may cause ED and that statin therapy may have beneficial effects on preserving erectile function by improving lipid profiles and minimizing dam-age caused by oxidative stress.

BackgroundStenoses of internal pudendal arteries (IPAs) appear to be related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, the correlation between the severity of ED and stenosis of the IPAs is not well established.ObjectivesTo evaluate angiographic findings of IPAs in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and to assess the correlation between the severity of ED and IPA stenosis.Materials and methodsNinety-one patients who were scheduled for cardiac angiogram (CAG) because of suspected CAD participated. ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Erectile function (EF) domain scoring was used to assess the severity of ED: severe (EF score = 1-10); moderate (11-16); mild-moderate (17-21); mild (22-25); and no ED (26-30). Angiography was performed in bilateral common, internal iliac, and IPAs and the location and extent of stenoses were measured. We divided patients according to those with maximum stenosis of less than 50% (Group I) and those with more than 50% (Group II), regardless of direction.ResultsWe diagnosed 88 patients (88/91, 96.70%) with ED. There was no correlation between increasing age and severity of ED (r = - 0.063, p = 0.555). There were 72 patients in Group I and 19 in Group II. In Group I, 62 patients were diagnosed with ED even though there was no stenosis. There was no significant correlation between the severity of ED and the extent of stenosis in IPAs (r = -0.118, p = 0.265).ConclusionsThere was no significant correlation between the severity of ED and the extent of stenosis of IPAs. We believe that this is because the progression of ED is induced by endothelial cell dysfunction, not by mechanical obstruction leading to blood flow reduction.

This paper proposes a modeling of fuel cell which replaces dc source during simulation. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy in fuels into electrical energy. This system has high efficiency and heat, no environmental chemical pollutions and noise. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are commonly used as a residential generator. These fuel cells have different electrical characteristics such as a low voltage and high current compared with solar cells. And there are different behaviors in the V-I curve in the temperature and pressure. Therefore, the modeling of fuel cell should consider wide voltage range and slow current response and the resulting electrical model is applied to boost converter with fuel cell as an input source.

Objective To evaluate predictors of more aggressive disease and the role of multiparametric 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in selecting patients with prostate cancer for active surveillance (AS). Patients and Methods We retrospectively assessed 298 patients with prostate cancer who met the Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) criteria, defined as T1c/T2, PSA level of ≤10 ng/mL, PSA density (PSAD) of T2) in 21 (7%) patients, upgrading (Gleason score >6) in 136 (45.6%), and a diagnosis of unfavourable disease in 142 (47.7%) patients. The 263 patients (88.3%) with visible cancer on imaging were more likely to have their cancer status upgraded (49.8% vs 14.3%) and be diagnosed with unfavourable disease (52.1% vs 14.3%) than the 35 patients (11.7%) with no cancer visible upon imaging, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001 for all). A visible cancer lesion on MRI, PSAD, and patient age were found to be predictors of unfavourable disease in multivariate analysis. Conclusion MRI can predict adverse pathological features and be used to assess the eligibility of patients with prostate cancer for AS.

Pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistulas are two disorders frequently managed in female urology. New techniques have been adapted and improved to decrease morbidity and improve clinical outcomes of these disorders. The adaptation of minimally-invasive approaches for the management of pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistulas began with laparoscopy. However, laparoscopic surgery has not gained widespread popularity as a result of the associated technical challenges, such as intracorporeal suturing and pelvic dissection. Robotic surgery has been widely carried out in urological oncology since 2001, and has been widely adapted because of its advantages over conventional laparoscopy for the management of pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistulas. The current literature has shown the safety, feasibility and favorable clinical outcomes of robotic surgery for the treatment of these disorders. Robotic surgery in the management of pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistula repairs might offer a promising advancement and benefits. However, further long-term data should be followed to assess the durability of this newer, and minimally-invasive approach.

Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is a common condition and an intractable situation for patients with advanced cancer. There is currently no ideal ureteral stent to release the obstruction. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel, double-layered, coated, self-expandable metallic mesh stent (Uventa(™)) in MUO.In a retrospective design, a total of 71 ureter units (54 patients) were included from December 2009 to March 2012. Indications were those who had MUO with a polymeric Double-J stent malfunction, severe polymeric stent irritation, or severe pain during periodic stent change. Patients underwent Uventa placement using a retrograde approach.All stents were positioned at the proper site without procedure-related complications. The overall success (no obstruction and no additional intervention except supplementary Uventa placement) and primary success (no obstruction and no additional intervention) rates were 81.7% (58/71 ureter units) and 64.8% (46/71 ureter units) during the follow-up period, which had a median of 308 (35-802) days. The most common reason for primary failure was tumor progression beyond the stent segment (75.0%), followed by reactive hyperplasia at the stent tips (12.5%), bladder invasion of the primary tumor (8.0%), and stent-related pain (8.0%). Twelve patients had overall success after secondary Uventa placement. There were no severe complications. The complications included persistent flank pain (15.5%), lower urinary tract symptoms (7.0%), acute pyelonephritis (2.8%), stent migration (2.8%), and persistent hematuria (2.8%).These data show that Uventa can be an effective and safe option for palliative treatment of patients with MUO in a large series of patients.

To evaluate whether ultrasound-guided compression performed immediately after transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy decreases bleeding complications. We prospectively evaluated a total of 148 consecutive patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy between March 2015 and July 2016. Systematic 12-core prostate biopsy was performed in all patients. Of these, 100 patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the compression group (n = 50) underwent TRUS-guided compression on bleeding biopsy tracts immediately after prostate biopsy, while the non-compression group (n = 50) underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy alone. The incidence rate and duration of hematuria, hematospermia, and rectal bleeding were compared between the two groups. The incidence rates of hematuria and hematospermia were not significantly different between the two groups (60 vs. 64%, p = 0.68; 22 vs. 30%, p = 0.362, respectively, for compression vs. non-compression group). The rectal bleeding incidence was significantly lower in the compression group as compared to the non-compression group (20 vs. 44%, p = 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in the median duration of hematuria, hematospermia, or rectal bleeding between the two groups (2, 8, and 2 days vs. 2, 10, and 1 days, p > 0.05, respectively, for compression vs. non-compression group). TRUS-guided compression [p = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) 0.25] and patient age (p = 0.013, OR 0.93) were significantly protective against the occurrence of rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy in multivariable analysis. Although it has no impact on other complications, ultrasound-guided compression on bleeding biopsy tracts performed immediately after TRUS-guided prostate biopsy is an effective and practical method to treat or decrease rectal bleeding.

As a fuel cell converts the chemical energy of the fuel cell into electrical energy by electrochemical reaction, the fuel cell system is uniquely integrated technique including fuel processor, fuel cell stack, power conditioning system. The residential fuel cell-PCS(Power Conditioning System) needs to convert efficiently the DC current produced by the fuel cell into AC current using single-phase DC-AC inverter. A single-phase DC-AC inverter has naturally low frequency ripple which is twice frequency of the output current. This low frequency(120Hz) ripple reduces the efficiency of the fuel cell. This paper presents notch filter with IP voltage controller to reject specific 120Hz current ripple in single-phase inverter. The notch filter is designed that suppress just only specific frequency component and no phase delay. Finally, the proposed notch filter design method has been verified with computer simulation and experimentation.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma is an uncommon type of endometrial adenocarcinoma for which precursor lesions have yet to be clarified. During a review of noncancerous endometrial lesions in postmenopausal women, we found that mucinous endometrial glands showed variable degrees of epithelial changes that ranged from the formation of simple tubular glands to the formation of complex glands with papillary tufts, and some of the glands with papillary tufts were architecturally similar to low-grade mucinous adenocarcinomas. Based on histological similarities, we have postulated that mucinous metaplasia could be a precursor lesion of mucinous adenocarcinoma. To explain the pathogenetic significance of endometrial mucinous metaplasia, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of ER, PR, MKI67, PTEN, β-catenin, P16(INK4A), TP53, and PAX2 in 21 endometrial mucinous metaplasias, screened for KRAS (n=16) and PTEN (n=14) mutations, and compared expression patterns between samples with simple mucinous glands, those with complex glands having intraglandular papillary tufts, and endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Compared with the surrounding flat mucinous epithelium and simple mucinous metaplasia, the intraglandular papillary tufts associated with papillary mucinous metaplasia were characterized by selectively decreased expression of PAX2 (P=0.029) and PR (P

Many predictive models have been proposed for better stratification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Hans' algorithm has been widely used as standard to sub-classify DLBCL into germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB origins. However, there have been disagreements in the literature regarding its prognostic significance. Here, we retrospectively analyzed Hans' algorithm and the individual immunohistochemical biomarkers at different cut-off values (5%, 30%, 50% or 75%) in 94 Korean patients with DLBCL treated with combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. No significant differences were observed between the GCB (18 patients, 19.1%) and non-GCB (76, 80.9%) groups. Among individual biomarkers, CD10 negativity (cut point: 30%) and bcl-6 positivity (cut point: 5%) were independent good prognostic markers in progression-free survival (PFS), whereas bcl-6 (cut point: 5%) positivity was an independent good prognostic marker in overall survival irrelevant of international prognostic index. The present study showed the lack of predictability of Hans' algorithm in DLBCL patients, and that CD10, Bcl-6 may have diverse prognostic significance at different cut-off values. Our results suggest that the proposed cut-off value may not be applied universally, and that the optimal cut-off value may need to be optimized for individual laboratory.

Rationale:Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare life-threatening condition that accompanies general anesthesia. Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a rare cause of DAH.Patient concerns:A 25-year-old male patient developed hemoptysis following remifentanil administration by bolu

Compared with the West, the overall incidence of lymphoid neoplasms is lower, and the subtype distribution is distinct in Asia. To comprehensively investigate the subtype distribution with the age and sex factors, and temporal changes of subtype proportions, we re-assessed all patients with lymphoid neoplasms diagnosed at a large oncology service in the Republic of Korea from 1989 to 2008 using the World Health Organization classifications. Of the total 5,318 patients, 66.9% had mature B-cell neoplasms, 12.5% had mature T/natural killer (NK)-cell neoplasms, 16.4% had precursor lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/LBL), and 4.1% had Hodgkin's lymphoma. The most common subtypes were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (30.5%), plasma cell myeloma (14.0%), extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type (MALT lymphoma; 12.4%), B-cell ALL/LBL (11.3%), Hodgkin's lymphoma (4.1%), peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified (4.0%), T-cell ALL/LBL (3.9%), and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma of nasal type (3.9%). Most subtypes showed male predominance, with an average M/F ratio of 1.3. Most mature lymphoid neoplasms were diseases of adults (mean age, 53.5 yr), whereas ALL/LBLs were of young individuals (mean age, 20.3 yr). When the relative proportion of subtypes were compared between two decades (1989-1998 vs. 1999-2008), especially MALT lymphoma has increased in proportion, whereas T/NK-cell neoplasms and ALL/LBL have slightly decreased. In summary, the lymphoid neoplasms of Koreans shared some epidemiologic features similar to those of other countries, whereas some subtypes showed distinct features. Although the increase in incidence of lymphoid neoplasms is relatively modest in Korea, recent increase of MALT lymphoma and decrease of T/NK-cell neoplasms and ALL/LBL are interesting findings.

Histologic distinction between complete hydatidiform moles and nonmolar abortuses in early pregnancy is often extremely difficult. This study details the chronologic changes that occur in normal placenta, especially in the villous stroma during gestational weeks 4 to 12 and compares the findings in 63 normal placentas and 73 early complete moles. Over time, the chorionic villi in normal placenta showed gradual but recognizable alterations, from basophilic/hypocellular and nonvascular stroma to basophilic/cellular stroma containing angiogenic cell cords (immature blood vessels), and then to loose, edematous/reticular stroma with mature blood vessels containing vascular lumina and hematopoietic components. A basophilic stroma, which was frequently seen in early complete moles, was a constant feature of chorionic villi younger than week 7 in normal placenta, but had disappeared after week 8, except in the newly branched sprouts. Trophoblastic proliferation was virtually unrecognizable in 59% of early complete moles, whereas circumferential trophoblastic sprouts during weeks 4 to 6 of normal placenta can be mistaken as that of complete moles. Few or no mature blood vessels and excessive stromal karyorrhexis are characteristic features of early complete moles, even in the absence of trophoblastic proliferation, but they are occasionally found in normal placenta younger than week 7. Although many features of normal and molar placenta were similar during the earliest weeks (5 to 6) including basophilic stroma, angiogenic cell cords (immature blood vessels), and often circumferential trophoblastic sprouts and proliferation, already by that time early moles showed significantly greater percentages of stromal cells undergoing karyorrhexis and apoptosis compared with normal placenta (37.6% vs. 5.4%). These results indicate the histologic features do exist early on in pregnancy to differentiate normal from molar pregnancy. Further, it points out that complete hydatidiform mole in addition to being disease of trophoblastic proliferation is also associated with defects in vasculogenesis and maturation of villous stromal constituents.

To investigate the prognostic significance of tumor morphology in relation to progression and survival in patients with primary T1G3 bladder cancer (BC) METHODS: After review of pathology, 194 patients who were diagnosed with primary T1G3 BC after clinically complete transurethral resection between 1989 and 2005 were seen. Of these patients, 144 underwent surveillance and 50 underwent immediate cystectomy. Tumor morphology (gross and microscopic) in addition to other clinicopathological factors such as tumor size, multifocality, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), carcinoma-in-situ (CIS), intravesical therapy, and the absence of proper muscle were evaluated with regard to recurrence, progression, upstaging, and survival. In addition, correlations between tumor morphology and other factors were analyzed.Median follow-up was 52.5 months. Five-year cancer-specific survival rates were 92.1% for entire cohort, 95.6% for surveillance group, and 84.0% for immediate cystectomy group, respectively. During surveillance, recurrence and progression were noted in 43.1, 13.2%, respectively. Of the potential prognostic factors analyzed, non-papillary morphology (both gross and microscopic) was a significant parameter of progression and intravesical therapy was significantly predictive of recurrence. After immediate cystectomy, 34% were upstaged. Non-papillary morphology and the absence of proper muscle were related to upstaging. For entire patients, non-papillary morphology and the absence of proper muscle were also significant predictors of patient's survival (P = 0.048, HR = 4.826, and P = 0.007, HR = 5.663, respectively). Non-papillary tumors were significantly related to the presence of LVI and CIS compared to papillary tumors.Non-papillary tumor morphology was a predictor of cancer progression and survival in patients with primary T1G3 BC.

Objective: The aim of this study was to find the mechanism that causes urethral stricture with a view to preventing its occurrence after implantation of a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. Methods: When implanting a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis, we draw two longitudinal lines parallel to the long axis of the proximal cylinder and the tubing leading from each cylinder into the cavernosal space, to prevent 360 degree rotation of the cylinder. Results: From September 1993 to February 2007, a total 86 three-piece penile prosthesis implantations were carried out in 70 patients. Urethral stricture occurred in 5.8% (5/86) of the prosthesis operations. Fifteen three-piece penile prosthesis reinsertions were carried out in 17.4% (15/86) of the prosthesis recipients. Conclusions: A successful outcome was achieved in the patients who received penile implantation with the three-piece penile prosthesis that were marked with longitudinal lines. The rotation of the cylinder may cause compression on the urethra from the tubing leading from the cylinder or pump crossing over the urethra and resulting in urethral stricture. The drawing of longitudinal lines at the proximal cylinder and tubing leading from the cylinder could prevent the urethral stricture induced by tubes that are twisted by rotation of the cylinder.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of initial combined treatment of alpha-blocker plus dose-dependent anticholinergic agent compared to the alpha-blocker monotherapy in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with overactive bladder.Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) patients with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 8 or higher, total overactive bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) of 3 or higher, and 2 points or higher in the OABSS questionnaire number 2 were enrolled. Eligible subjects (total n = 146) were randomly assigned to receive tamsulosin 0.2 mg (Group I, n = 44), tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus solifenacin 5 mg (Group II, n = 55), or tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus solifenacin 10 mg (Group III, n = 47) for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety assessments for each group were done using detailed questionnaires, and evaluating urinary parameters such as maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR) at 4 and 12 weeks.Groups II and III (combined use of tamsulosin and solifenacin) showed significant improvement in storage symptoms compared to group I (tamsulosin monotherapy), as reflected by IPSS storage subscore and OABSS (P0.05). Dry mouth developed in four (7%) and eight (17%) cases in group II and III, respectively, so that one (2%) and three (6%) cases dropped out in group II and III, respectively. Two cases (4%) of AUR developed in group III, and one of them was withdrawn (2%) from the study.Initial combined treatment of tamsulosin plus solifenacin for men with LUTS improves storage symptoms significantly, but dose modification is necessary to prevent adverse events.

We investigated structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration as compensatory adaptations after radical nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma according to the preoperative chronic kidney disease stage.We retrospectively identified 543 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma between 1997 and 2012. Patients were classified according to preoperative glomerular filtration rate as no chronic kidney disease--glomerular filtration rate 90 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) or greater (230, 42.4%), chronic kidney disease stage II--glomerular filtration rate 60 to less than 90 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) (227, 41.8%) and chronic kidney disease stage III--glomerular filtration rate 30 to less than 60 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) (86, 15.8%). Computerized tomography performed within 2 months before surgery and 1 year after surgery was used to assess functional renal volume for measuring the degree of hypertrophy of the remnant kidney, and the preoperative and postoperative glomerular filtration rate per unit volume of functional renal volume was used to calculate the degree of hyperfiltration.Among all patients (mean age 56.0 years) mean preoperative glomerular filtration rate, functional renal volume and glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume were 83.2 ml/minute/1.73 m(2), 340.6 cm(3) and 0.25 ml/minute/1.73 m(2)/cm(3), respectively. The percent reduction in glomerular filtration rate was statistically significant according to chronic kidney disease stage (no chronic kidney disease 31.2% vs stage II 26.5% vs stage III 12.8%, p0.001). However, the degree of hypertrophic functional renal volume in the remnant kidney was not statistically significant (no chronic kidney disease 18.5% vs stage II 17.3% vs stage III 16.5%, p=0.250). The change in glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume was statistically significant (no chronic kidney disease 18.5% vs stage II 20.1% vs stage III 45.9%, p0.001). Factors that increased glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume above the mean value were body mass index (p=0.012), diabetes mellitus (p=0.023), hypertension (p=0.015) and chronic kidney disease stage (p0.001).Patients with a lower preoperative glomerular filtration rate had a smaller reduction in postoperative renal function than those with a higher preoperative glomerular filtration rate due to greater degrees of functional hyperfiltration.

Purpose We evaluated the association between tumor size and preoperative volumetric kidney parameters measured with CT in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).